Tour is heading back to Knowsley

For the third year running Knowsley Safari Park is set to welcome the Tour of Britain.

Knowsley is set to host the start of Stage Two of the tour on Monday, September 8, as 18 of the world’s top professional teams, including Team Sky, set off for the second day of racing.

Olympian Geraint Thomas, who spends part of his year in Newton, is a possible starter, as is former Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins - who triumphed in the Knowsley time-trial last year.

Thomas has been in fine form all year, and has been tipped as a Tour de France contender after posting third place in one of the early Spring classics.

“We are looking forward to continuing our excellent relationship with Knowsley Council in 2014 as Knowsley host their first Tour of Britain stage start,” said Race Director Mick Bennett.

“The past two years we have enjoyed great support from spectators, so I’m sure riders can look forward to more of the same ahead of a very tough stage to North Wales.”

At just under 200-kilometres, Stage Two will take the race to a stage finish in Llandudno, via Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire.

The stage will also mark the second opportunity for cycling fans in the North West to see the world’s top riders, with Liverpool having hosted the opening stage, a ten-lap, 130-kilometre race around the city centre.

The 2014 Tour of Britain will finishing eight days later in central London with a double-header final day, featuring an individual time trial and circuit race on Whitehall.

Coun Eddie Connor said “I’m delighted to welcome back the Tour of Britain. Once again, the riders will receive a very warm welcome. There really is a cycling buzz in Knowsley.”